Adjustable position light emitting apparatus and system

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/598,953 filed Mar. 7, 2024, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/204,284 filed May 31, 2023, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. design application Ser. No. 29/859,862 filed Nov. 14, 2022 and entitled “MINIATURE LANDSCAPE LAMP”; and further claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63/389,817 filed Jul. 15, 2022; the entireties of each of which are incorporated herein at least by virtue of this reference.

The present disclosure relates to the field of light emitting diode (LED) lamps; in particular, a light emitting apparatus and system comprising an adjustable optical axis and variable lumen output.

Landscape lights or outdoor lights are used in landscapes and other exterior applications to illuminate different elements of a landscape, such as plants or other structures, and/or different exterior elements such as paths and stairs. Landscape lights can be installed indoors or outdoors in different substrates such as loose, unpaved earth, concrete, stone, or wood. Some landscape light designs include a light generating module connected to a support. The support secures the landscape light to a substrate. Given the variety of exterior illumination applications in which landscape lights are used, landscape lighting apparatuses and systems must be both durable and versatile to withstand prolonged exposure to environmental elements and enable ease of installation and deployment over a wide range of substrates.

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide for a light emitting apparatus comprising a base portion comprising a lower surface defining a circumference of the base portion, an upper surface and a retaining member extending perpendicularly from the upper surface of the base portion, the retaining member comprising a first planar surface; a cylindrical housing comprising a bottom surface and a side wall defining an exterior surface and an interior area, the cylindrical housing comprising a recessed portion disposed on an arc of the bottom surface and the side wall, the recessed portion comprising a second planar surface, wherein the base portion and the cylindrical housing are configured to be selectively interfaced such that the first planar surface of the retaining member is interfaced with the second planar surface of the recessed portion; a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and configured to selectively secure the cylindrical housing to the base portion, wherein the cylindrical housing is configured to rotate around an axis of the retaining screw, wherein the retaining screw is configured to selectively retain the cylindrical housing to the retaining member at an angle between 0 degrees and at least 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of the base portion; at least one LED housed in the interior area of the cylindrical housing; an electronics assembly housed in the interior area of the cylindrical housing and operably engaged with the at least one LED, the electronics assembly comprising an LED driver configured to provide a flow of power between a power supply and the at least one LED; a lens positioned above the at least one LED; and a cover portion coupled to an upper circumference of the cylindrical housing and configured to secure the lens to the cylindrical housing.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the light emitting apparatus of the present disclosure, the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base portion when the cylindrical housing is positioned at 0 degrees. The cylindrical housing may comprise a circumference that is the same as the circumference of the base portion. The base portion may comprise at least one slotted aperture configured to retain at least one screw. The at least one slotted aperture may be curved such that the base portion can be rotated around the at least one screw between at least one first angle and at least one second angle. The recessed portion of the cylindrical housing may be configured to receive the retaining member of the base portion. In certain embodiments, the retaining member may extend perpendicularly from the upper surface of the base portion at a point along the circumference of the base portion. In certain embodiments, the base portion may comprise a circular aperture configured to receive a landscape spike.

Further aspects of the present disclosure provide for a light emitting apparatus comprising a cylindrical housing comprising at least one LED light assembly housed in an interior area of the cylindrical housing; a cylindrical base portion comprising a retaining member extending from an upper surface of the cylindrical base portion, wherein the cylindrical housing comprises a recessed portion extending from a bottom surface of the cylindrical housing, wherein the cylindrical housing is configured to be selectively interfaced with the cylindrical base portion such that the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing is in direct contact with the upper surface of the cylindrical base portion, wherein the recessed portion of the cylindrical housing is configured to receive the retaining member of the cylindrical base portion when the cylindrical housing is selectively interfaced with the cylindrical base portion; and a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and interfaced with a surface of the recessed portion to selectively secure the cylindrical housing to the cylindrical base portion, wherein the cylindrical housing is configured to rotate around an axis of the retaining screw.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the light emitting apparatus of the present disclosure, the retaining member comprises a first planar surface that is perpendicular to the upper surface of the cylindrical base portion. In said embodiments, the recessed portion may comprise a second planar surface that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing. In said embodiments, the first planar surface of the retaining member may be interfaced with the second planar surface of the recessed portion when the cylindrical housing is selectively interfaced with the cylindrical base portion. In certain embodiments, the cylindrical housing may comprise a circumference that is the same as a circumference of the cylindrical base portion. In certain embodiments, the retaining screw is configured to selectively retain the cylindrical housing to the retaining member at an angle between 0 degrees and at least 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of the cylindrical base portion.

Still further aspects of the present disclosure provide for an exterior lighting system comprising a base portion comprising a lower surface defining a circumference of the base portion, an upper surface and a retaining member extending perpendicularly from the upper surface of the base portion; a cylindrical housing comprising a bottom surface and a side wall defining an exterior surface and an interior area, the cylindrical housing comprising a recessed portion disposed on the side wall of the cylindrical housing and extending from the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing, wherein the cylindrical housing is configured to be selectively interfaced with the base portion, wherein the recessed portion of the cylindrical housing is configured to receive the retaining member of the base portion when the cylindrical housing is selectively interfaced with the base portion; a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and interfaced with a surface of the recessed portion to selectively secure the cylindrical housing to the cylindrical base portion, wherein the cylindrical housing is configured to rotate around an axis of the retaining screw; at least one LED housed in the interior area of the cylindrical housing; an electronics assembly housed in the interior area of the cylindrical housing and operably engaged with the at least one LED, the electronics assembly comprising an LED driver configured to provide a flow of power between a power supply and the at least one LED; a lens positioned above the at least one LED; and a cover portion coupled to an upper circumference of the cylindrical housing and configured to secure the lens to the cylindrical housing.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the exterior lighting system may further comprise an elongated member selectively coupled to the lower surface of the base portion. In certain embodiments, the retaining screw may be configured to selectively retain the cylindrical housing to the retaining member at an angle between 0 degrees and at least 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of the base portion. The retaining member may comprise a first planar surface that is perpendicular to the upper surface of the cylindrical base portion. In said embodiments, the recessed portion may comprise a second planar surface that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing. In said embodiments, the first planar surface of the retaining member may be interfaced with the second planar surface of the recessed portion when the cylindrical housing is selectively interfaced with the base portion.

Still further aspects of the present disclosure provide for a lighting fixture comprising a base portion comprising a lower surface defining a circumference of the base portion, an upper surface and a retaining member extending from the upper surface of the base portion; a housing comprising a bottom surface and a side wall defining an exterior surface and an interior area; and a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and configured to selectively secure the housing to the base portion, wherein the housing is configured to rotate around an axis of the retaining screw, wherein the retaining screw is configured to selectively retain the housing to the retaining member at an angle between 0 degrees and at least 90 degrees relative to the upper surface of the base portion, wherein the bottom surface of the housing is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base portion when the housing is positioned at 0 degrees.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the lighting fixture may further comprise at least one LED housed in the interior area of the housing. In certain embodiments, the lighting fixture may further comprise an electronics assembly housed in the interior area of the housing and operably engaged with the at least one LED, the electronics assembly comprising an LED driver configured to provide a flow of power between a power supply and the at least one LED. The electronics assembly may further comprise a potentiometer. The potentiometer may be operably configured to control a variable lumen output of the at least one LED. In certain embodiments, the potentiometer is selectively configurable by a user (e.g., via a mechanical interface such as a screw) to configure the variable lumen output of the at least one LED. In certain embodiments, the potentiometer is housed in the interior area of the housing.

Still further aspects of the present disclosure provide for a lighting fixture comprising a housing comprising an LED lighting assembly housed in an interior area of the housing, wherein the LED lighting assembly comprises at least one LED and an LED driver configured to provide a flow of power between a power supply and the at least one LED; a base portion comprising a retaining member extending from an upper surface of the base portion; and a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and interfaced with a surface of the housing, wherein the housing is configured to be selectively interfaced with the base portion such that a bottom surface of the housing is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base portion when the housing is positioned at 0 degrees.

Still further aspects of the present disclosure provide for a lighting fixture comprising a base portion comprising a lower surface defining a circumference of the base portion, an upper surface and a retaining member extending from the upper surface; a housing comprising a bottom surface and a side wall defining an exterior surface and an interior area; a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and interfaced with a portion of the exterior surface of the housing, wherein the housing is configured to be selectively interfaced with the base portion such that the bottom surface of the housing is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base portion when the housing is positioned at 0 degrees; at least one LED housed in the interior area of the housing; and an electronics assembly housed in the interior area of the housing and operably engaged with the at least one LED, the electronics assembly comprising an LED driver configured to provide a flow of power between a power supply and the at least one LED.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Also, as used herein, the term “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more,” even though the phrase “one or more” is also used herein. Furthermore, when it is said herein that something is “based on” something else, it may be based on one or more other things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicated otherwise, as used herein “based on” means “based at least in part on” or “based at least partially on.” Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, inventive methods, devices and systems configured to provide for a lighting fixture comprising a base portion comprising a lower surface defining a circumference of the base portion, an upper surface and a retaining member extending from the upper surface; a housing comprising a bottom surface and a side wall defining an exterior surface and an interior area; a retaining screw extending through an aperture of the retaining member and interfaced with a portion of the exterior surface of the housing, wherein the housing is configured to be selectively interfaced with the base portion such that the bottom surface of the housing is in direct contact with the upper surface of the base portion when the housing is positioned at 0 degrees; at least one LED housed in the interior area of the housing; and an electronics assembly housed in the interior area of the housing and operably engaged with the at least one LED, the electronics assembly comprising an LED driver configured to provide a flow of power between a power supply and the at least one LED and a potentiometer operably engaged with the LED driver to control a variable lumen output (i.e., brightness) for the at least one LED.

It should be appreciated that various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the disclosed concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementation and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed by the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed by the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in a stated range. Where a stated range includes one or both of the endpoint limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included endpoints are also included in the scope of the invention.

As used herein, “exemplary” means serving as an example or illustration and does not necessarily denote ideal or best.

As used herein, the term “includes” means includes but is not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to. The term “based on” means based at least in part on.

As used herein, the term “interface” means any shared boundary or connection between two dissimilar objects, devices or systems through which information or power is passed and/or a mechanical, functional and/or operational relationship is established and/or accomplished. Such shared boundary or connection may be physical, electrical, logical and/or combinations thereof.

As used herein, the term “LED” refers to any type of light source comprising a light-emitting diode. A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it.

Certain benefits and advantages of the present disclosure include a light emitting apparatus comprising a housing that is rotatably coupled to a base portion, wherein the housing is rotatably adjustable on two axes of rotation.

Further benefits and advantages of the present disclosure include a light emitting apparatus comprising a housing portion that is rotatably coupled to a base portion, wherein the housing portion may be selectively disconnected from the base.

Further benefits and advantages of the present disclosure include a light emitting apparatus comprising a housing portion that is rotatably coupled to a base portion, wherein the housing portion comprises at least one LED operably engaged with at least one LED driver to have a variable lumen output.

Further benefits and advantages of the present disclosure include a light emitting apparatus comprising a housing portion that is rotatably coupled to a base portion, wherein the housing portion comprises at least one lens portion configured to enable one or more interchangeable/modifiable beam spread optics.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,depicts a perspective view of an adjustable light emitting apparatus. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, apparatusmay embody an exterior lighting fixture configured to enable one or more outdoor lighting use cases. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, apparatuscomprises a base, a housing, a cover portionand a glass cover. In accordance with certain embodiments, apparatusmay be configured as a “hockey puck” shape when a bottom surface of housingis selectively interfaced with an upper surface of base(e.g., substantially cylindrical). Housingmay comprise a recessed portiondisposed along a side wall of housing. Recessed portionmay comprise at least one vertical (i.e., planar) side wall extending from a bottom surface of housing. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, housingmay be selectively coupled to baseat a retaining memberof basevia an axis screw. Retaining membermay be configured to interface with recessed portionof housingsuch that a planar surface of retaining membermay be in contact with the at least one vertical (i.e., planar) side wall of recessed portion. In certain embodiments, housingmay be rotated around axis screwand positioned at a desired angle relative to base; e.g., rotatably pivoted to enable a “clam-shell-type” movement around an axis. Axis screwmay be tightened to secure housingto retaining memberand secure housingat the desired angle relative to base. As shown in, baseand housingmay be configured to enable an optical axis of a visible light output from apparatusto be directed in multiple directions (e.g., up, down, left and right). In accordance with certain embodiments, basemay comprise retaining member, an axis screw apertureextending through retaining member, a left base screw channel/and a right base screw channel, ground stake connector apertureand a power cord aperture.

In accordance with certain embodiments, retaining membermay extend vertically (e.g., perpendicularly from an upper surface) of base. Axis screw aperturemay be smooth (i.e., not threaded) such that axis screw(as shown in) may rotate freely when selectively interfaced with axis screw apertureto enable selective positioning of housing(as shown in). Left base screw channel/and right base screw channelmay be disposed along an arc of an area of base. Left base screw channel/and right base screw channelmay be positioned opposite from each other (e.g., a right side and a left side). In accordance with certain embodiments, left base screw channel/and right base screw channelmay each be configured to comprise a 45-degree arc. Left base screw channeland right base screw channelmay each comprise an aperture portion extending all the way through baseand a channel portion extending from an upper surface of baseand terminating at the aperture portion. The aperture portion may be configured to receive a screw therethrough and the channel portion may be configured to recess a head of the screw received at the aperture portion such that the screw head fits flush or below the upper surface with basewhen the screw is interfaced with the aperture portion. Ground stake connector aperturemay comprise a circular aperture extending through baseand may be configured to mateably interface with a cylindrical member (i.e., ground stake, a landscape spike or other member configured to selectively interface with base). Ground stake connector aperturemay comprise a threaded portion for receiving a compatible threaded portion of a cylindrical member. Ground stake connector aperturemay be configured as any suitable shape for selectively establishing a male/female interface with a secondary member. Power cord aperturemay comprise a slotted aperture configured to route a power cord to housing(shown in).

Referring now to, an exploded view of the adjustable light emitting apparatusis shown. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, an assembly of apparatusmay comprise elements-. In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, apparatusmay comprise baseand base screws. Base screwsmay be configured to interface with left base screw channeland right base screw channel(as labeled in) in order to secure baseto a target surface. Apparatusmay further comprise housing. Housingmay comprise a bottom surface and side walls defining an open top and an interior portion. Housingmay comprise a recessed portionconfigured to receive and be selectively interfaced with the retaining member(as labeled in). Housingmay comprise a screw aperturedisposed on a side wallwithin the recessed portion. Axis screwmay extend through the axis screw aperture(as labeled in) of the retaining member(as labeled in) and interface with screw aperturedisposed on side wallwithin the recessed portionof housing. In accordance with certain embodiments, axis screwmay be selectively loosened/tightened in order to selectively position housingand selectively retain housingat a desired angle relative to base. Washermay improve the interface between retaining memberand side walland may enhance the interface between axis screwand axis screw aperture.

Apparatusmay further comprise an electronics assemblycomprising an LED driverconfigured to provide a flow of power to at least one LED. In certain embodiments, the LED drivermay be configured to enable a variable lumen output for at least one LED. In certain embodiments, electronics assemblymay comprise a potentiometeroperably engaged with LED driverto configure the variable lumen output for at least one LED. Potentiometermay comprise a variable resistor component comprising an adjustable voltage divider configured to regulate a flow of power to at least one LED. Potentiometermay comprise a mechanical interface(e.g., a screw or a switch configured to engage a moveable wiper) that is configured to enable a user of apparatusto adjust a voltage resistance in order to modify (i.e., dim or brighten) the variable lumen output for at least one LED.

In accordance with certain embodiments, at least one LEDmay comprise a chip-on-board LED. At least one LEDmay comprise a vertical optical axis relative to a bottom surface of housing(e.g., a chip-on-board LED). Apparatusmay further comprise a packing ringconfigured to interface with a heat sink. Apparatusmay comprise one or more housing screwsconfigured to secure electronics assemblyand heat sinkto housing. Apparatusmay further comprise a lens assembly comprising a lens, a middle lens moduleand a lower lens module. The lens assembly may be housed in the interior portion of housingabove at least one LED. In certain embodiments, one or more lens module screwsmay secure lower lens moduleto heat sink. Apparatusmay further comprise a cover portionconfigured to interface with an upper circumference of housingto securely retain elements-in the interior portion of housing. Cover portionmay comprise a glass coverconfigured to protect the interior portion of housingfrom dirt, debris, water and other environmental elements. In accordance with certain embodiments, cover portionmay be rotatably engaged with lensin order to manipulate one or more beam spread optics of at least one LED. In accordance with certain embodiments, lensmay be removable/replaceable to enable one or more interchangeable/modifiable beam spread optics for at least one LED. In certain embodiments, potentiometeris housed in the interior portion of housing. Lens moduleand heat sinkmay each contain an aperture configured to expose mechanical interfaceof potentiometer. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the user may access mechanical interfaceof potentiometerupon removing cover portion, lensand glass coverfrom housing. The user may selectively adjust potentiometerby inserting a tool, such as a Philips head or flathead screwdriver, through the apertures in lens moduleand heat sinkto turn mechanical interfaceto a desired position. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, upon turning mechanical interfacethe variable resistor component is configured to regulate a flow of power to at least one LEDin order to configure the variable lumen output (i.e., brightness) for at least one LED. Upon configuring potentiometerto a desired setting (i.e., the desired lumen output), the user may replace cover portion, lensand glass coverand position housingto a desired angle/orientation for use.

Referring now to, perspective views of adjustable light emitting apparatusare shown. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, apparatusmay be selectively interfaced with a garden stake, as shown in, in order to selectively install apparatusin a landscape lighting use case. As shown in, apparatusmay be selectively positioned at an angle Θ relative to baseand secured in place via axis screw. A power supply cordmay extend through an aperture of baseand through an opening or port of housingto be operably interfaced with the electronics assembly of apparatusin order to power the at least one LED. As shown in, basemay be selectively coupled to an elongated member(e.g., a pole or a spike) in order to enable installation of apparatusin a landscape lighting use case or other outdoor lighting use case.

In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, an optical axis of a visible light output of apparatusmay be positioned along an x-axis and a y-axis. Basemay be rotated to a desired position to direct the visible light output of apparatusin a desired direction. Housingmay be rotatably positioned along a 180-degree arc by rotating housingaround axis screwto a desired position along the x- and y-axis; e.g., at angle Θ. Axis screwmay be selectively tightened to retain housingin the desired position; e.g., at angle Θ. As shown in, lensmay be positioned to direct/focus the beam spread optics of the visible light output from the at least one LED. In certain embodiments, covermay be twisted to change a position or configuration of lensin order to modify/configure one or more beam spread optics of the visible light output from the at least one LED.

Referring now to, plan views of an adjustable light emitting apparatusare shown. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, apparatuscomprises an alternative embodiment of apparatus, as shown in. In accordance with certain embodiments, apparatuscomprises lens, cover portion, housing, base, and axis screw. Base screwis also shown. Housingcomprises recessed portion. Recessed portioncomprises a recessed area disposed along an arc of the bottom circumference of housingand comprising planar side walls and an upper surface. Recessed portionis configured to receive retaining memberwhen baseand housingare selectively coupled together via axis screw. In accordance with certain embodiments, basecomprises an alternative embodiment to base(as shown in) in that retaining membercomprises an alternate form factor to retaining member(as shown in). As shown in, and shown in further detail in, retaining membercomprises a curved upper surface configured to be interfaced with the surface of recessed portion. The interface between the curved upper surface of retaining memberand the surface of recessed portionimproves stability and strength between the interface of baseand housing.

As shown in, apparatuscomprises an optical axis that is oriented vertically with respect to housing. In certain embodiments, apparatuscomprises a chip-on-board LED to generate a lighting output. Housingmay be rotated around retaining memberto a desired position between 0 degrees (e.g., as shown in) and 180 degrees. Axis screwmay serve as an axis of rotation for housing. As shown in, housingmay be rotated around retaining memberto direct the optical axis of apparatusat a desired angle (e.g., according to the lighting application) relative to base. Axis screwmay be loosened to enable housingto be rotated to a desired position and may be tightened to secure housingto retaining memberto retain housingin the desired position. As shown in, housingis positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to base

are perspective views of adjustable light emitting apparatus.provides a magnified view of retaining memberand illustrates the interface between retaining memberand the recessed portionof housing. As shown in, the width of retaining memberis approximately the same as the width of recessed portion. Retaining membercomprises axis screw aperture. Axis screw aperturecomprises an alternate form factor to axis screw aperture(as shown in) in that axis screw aperturecomprises an elongated aperture such that the head of axis screwis recessed within axis screw aperture. Washermay improve the interface between retaining memberand side walland may enhance the interface between axis screwand axis screw aperture

As shown in, apparatusmay be securely mounted to a desired substrate (e.g., a wood surface, a metal surface, a concrete surface, etc.) via base screws. Base screwsmay be configured to interface with left base screw channel/and right base screw channelin order to secure baseto the desired substrate. Left base screw channel/and right base screw channelmay comprise curved, slotted apertures to enable baseto be rotated around left base screw channeland right base screw channelin approximately a 90-degree range of motion (i.e., 45 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right). Left base screw channeland right base screw channelmay comprise slotted apertures such that the heads of base screwsare recessed within left base screw channeland right base screw channelsuch that a bottom surface of housingmay be directly interfaced with an upper surface of basein a first configuration (as shown in).

is a perspective view of adjustable light emitting apparatus. In accordance with certain embodiments, apparatusmay comprise a removable cowl assemblythat is friction fit to a circumference of cover portionand housing. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, cowl assemblymay be utilized in certain lighting applications to direct the lighting output from apparatusin a desired direction and prevent the lighting output from spilling in certain areas/directions.

The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,”, and variants thereof, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, “exemplary” means serving as an example or illustration and does not necessarily denote ideal or best.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled,” “connected,” or “responsive” to another element, it can be directly coupled, connected, or responsive to the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled,” “directly connected,” or “directly responsive” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “top, “bottom,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present embodiments. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which these embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the invention covers modifications and variations of this disclosure within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.